1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 162.1 × 77.6 × 8.3 mm | S21+ is slightly slimmer and narrower, A24 is slightly taller and thicker. S21+ might feel more premium and easier to handle one-handed. |
| Weight | 200g | 195g | Negligible difference in weight. Both will feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | S21+ offers a slightly larger viewing area, which can be beneficial for multimedia consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both phones have similar FHD+ resolution. Minimal real-world difference in sharpness. |
| PPI | 394 | 396 | Similar pixel density means both have comparable sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ has a smoother scrolling and animation experience, better for gaming and fluid UI. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1000 nits | S21+ is significantly brighter, offering much better visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | S21+ has a much more powerful chip, leading to faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 411,900 | The S21+ provides significantly higher performance, capable of handling demanding tasks easily. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21+ has a significantly more powerful GPU, offering better graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | A24 has a higher resolution sensor for more detail in photos. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | S21+ has 64MP | A24 - None | S21+ has an additional telephoto zoom option for portrait mode, better at distant shots. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 13MP | A24 has slightly more detailed selfies due to a higher resolution front camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | S21+ - None | A24 - 5MP | A24 offers a wider field of view for landscape or group photos. |
| Macro Lens | S21+ - None | A24 - 2MP | A24 allows for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | S21+ - 12.2MP | A24 - None | S21+ offers wide-angle photography with macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21+ offers much higher video resolution, better for professional content creation. |
| DxoMark (Mobile) | 111 | Not tested | S21+ is a better performer based on official scores. |
| Camera Features | S21+ has 4K/8K Video, Optical Zoom, RAW, Night Mode, Continuous/Manual Focus. | A24 has digital zoom, OIS and basic features. | S21+ has advanced shooting features for more control, A24 has only basic features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | A24 has a slightly larger battery, but real-world battery life also depends on software optimization and hardware. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both offer identical fast charging speed |
| Features | S21+ has Wireless charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | A24 - None | S21+ offers additional charging flexibility. |
| Software | |||
| OS (Base) | Android 11 | Android 13 | A24 is on a newer Android version, providing enhanced features and security. |
| Max OS Version | 15 | 17 | A24 will receive longer software support by default. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21+ has faster WiFi speeds and better performance, particularly in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | A24 has newer Bluetooth technology, better connection stability, range and efficiency. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | QZSS | S21+ has a more accurate GPS system. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | S21+ can use an eSIM in addition to physical SIM cards for greater carrier flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB | S21+ offers up to 256 GB of storage, more space for photos and videos, A24 comes only with 128GB. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | S21+ comes only with 8GB of RAM, A24 comes with three options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic | S21+ offers superior audio output, clearer calls, better sound quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | A24 has more advanced fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ provides better screen durability and scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | S21+ has additional environmental sensors (Barometer), better for a variety of apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly higher processing power for demanding applications, gaming, and smoother multitasking.
- Better Display: Higher 120Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits peak brightness offer a smoother, more vibrant viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a more versatile camera setup with a dedicated telephoto lens and advanced video features like 8K recording.
- Premium Audio: Offers Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers for superior audio quality.
- Wireless Charging: Supports both wireless and reverse wireless charging for more convenient power options.
- Better Wi-Fi Standard: Newer Wi-Fi 6 standard for faster and more reliable network connection.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides significantly better screen protection.
- More Storage Options: Comes with the option for 256GB which gives the phone more space for content.
- Additional Sensors: Has additional sensors such as barometer, light sensor, and hall.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM for digital carrier flexibility.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G Advantages:
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 13, and can be updated to Android 17, offering the latest features, security, and potentially longer software support life.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 50MP main camera provides more detail when shooting pictures.
- Larger Battery: A slightly larger 5000mAh battery may offer a slight edge in battery life.
- Newer Bluetooth: Supports Bluetooth 5.3, providing a more stable, efficient connection with a longer range.
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner: Provides better usability than the standard sensor.
- Lower Price: Generally more affordable, providing better value for basic smartphone tasks and a budget-conscious approach.
- Wide Angle and Macro Lenses: Offers additional wide angle and macro lens, giving the user more options while shooting pictures.
Trade-offs:
- S21+: Offers significantly higher performance, but at a potentially higher price and older software.
- A24: Prioritizes battery, newer software, and some camera features, but compromises on processing power, display quality, and advanced audio features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal Users: Power users, mobile gamers, multimedia enthusiasts, professional content creators, and users who value top-tier performance and display quality.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming: Smooth high frame rate gaming.
- Video Editing: Quickly render and edit high-resolution videos.
- Content Consumption: Enjoy high quality videos on its vibrant display.
- Professional Photography and Videography: Capture detailed photos with optical zoom and shoot videos with 8K resolution.
- Heavy Multitasking: Seamlessly switch between multiple apps without lag.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a premium experience but is priced higher, more suitable for users who value performance above cost.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G:
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious users, everyday users, users who value long battery life, casual photographers, and those who prioritize basic smartphone functionalities.
- Use Cases:
- Daily Communication: Browsing, social media, calling, and messaging.
- Casual Photography: Capturing everyday photos with a higher resolution main sensor.
- Long Battery Usage: Extended use without frequent charging.
- Streaming Videos: Enjoying social media or casual videos with average specs.
- Basic Gaming: Playing basic or low-graphics games.
- Price-to-Value: A more affordable option that prioritizes essential features and better battery life, suitable for users who want a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions a potential buyer should consider:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, Photography, Daily Use, etc.)
- How important is performance and high-end features to me? (Do I need a smoother experience or do the basic apps suffice?)
- What is my budget? (Am I willing to spend more for premium features, or am I looking for a reliable phone at a more affordable price?)
Scenario-based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Gaming Enthusiast: If you prioritize gaming, the S21+ is the obvious choice with its better CPU, GPU and 120Hz display, even though the A24 has an 8GB RAM option.
Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: The A24 offers the essential smartphone functions with newer software and a large battery and may be the better value for your money.
Scenario 3: Mobile Photographer: The S21+ would be recommended due to the additional telephoto and wide angle + macro cameras, coupled with it's advanced camera features. Although the A24 provides higher resolution on main and selfie cameras, it does not provide as much versatility.
Scenario 4: Basic User with Long Battery: The A24 would be recommended due to the slightly higher battery size, and it can handle basic tasks easily.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Here's why:
While the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G has some newer components and benefits, the performance difference between the two phones is staggering. The S21+ offers a significantly better chipset (Exynos 2100) which translates to a more fluid and responsive user experience for both normal tasks and intensive processes like gaming. The improved display with a 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness further enhances the overall user experience by providing a smooth visual experience both indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, the S21+ offers more versatile cameras that can cater to different needs with features like 8K video recording and optical zoom. Finally, it has premium features like wireless charging which enhance the overall premium feel of the device.
For my typical usage, the performance and camera versatility of the S21+ are more important than the slightly larger battery and newer software of the A24. The A24 is good for people who have a strict budget, but the performance and features of the S21+ outweigh the cons for me.
